Congratulations to 2025 Teacher of the Year Dr. Joanna Clark and Support Staff Employee of the Year Ed Hruska!
The announcement of both awards was made during a program and reception on March 19.
Clark teaches 7th grade science at South Middle School. Hruska is the crossing guard at Eagle Glen Elementary School.
As winners, Clark and Hruska each receive a $500 cash award from the Ray-Pec Public School Foundation, a desk award, and banners for their schools. Their photos will be displayed at the Administrative Services Center. In addition, Clark will be nominated as the District's candidate for regional teacher of the year in the Missouri Teacher of the Year selection process. Clark, Hruska, and all of the finalists will receive a plaque and items donated by local businesses.
Dr. Joanna Clark is the Teacher of the Year
Dr. Joanna Clark teaches 7th grade science at South Middle School. She has worked as an educator for the Ray-Pec District for almost 11 years. After earning her doctorate in chemistry, Clark began to teach at the college level and do scientific research. Later, she volunteered at her son's school and found that she enjoyed helping students with math and reading. Substitute teaching was the start of her current career.
Clark was also a finalist for the Support Staff Employee of the Year award in 2016.
Clark and her husband, Brian, have two grown sons.
She loves to read, cook, and bake for family and friends, walk her dog, Thor, watch movies, and play board of card games.
She was nominated by two parents. Amy Kaye wrote:
“Dr. Clark’s calm and nurturing presence creates an environment where students feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Clark has made a significant impact through her work with the First Lego League robotics team.”
Parent Rachel Seura wrote:
“Dr. Clark is the model teacher we all hope our children have, especially i these hard middle school years. She really is a teacher who loves what she does!”
Why Clark became a teacher
“When I attended college, I didn't have plans to become a teacher. My degree was in chemistry, and later I attended graduate school to get my Ph. D. My goal was to teach chemistry at a college and do scientific research, and I did that for a while. After having children, I volunteered at my son’s school, and I really enjoyed helping kids with math and reading. Substitute teaching was the start of my current career. Much of what I have learned over the past twelve years is from watching and listening to other amazing teachers around me at work, and teachers who made school a great experience for my own kids have also inspired me. I value working in an environment where teachers can share ideas, from both a new teacher to a very experienced teacher, and where we all hope for the best for students. Sometimes I look at where I am now, doing science experiments and talking about molecules with 7th graders, and I’m glad life takes you on interesting trips you originally did not plan on. My favorite times in class are when we are doing labs or just having a great class discussion to explain our thinking.”
From South Middle School Principal Steve Moore
“Dr. Clark’s love for teaching and commitment to kids extends to all students as well, and not just students who are budding scientists. I can easily point to her work this year with a student who has a hard time staying in class and making good choices. With this student, she is patient, but firm and has a short memory for unkind words or outbursts. With a teacher like Dr. Clark, there is always a fresh start the next day.
“Greenhouse club is another area where Dr. Clark is a leader. She spends many additional hours after school and on her own time planning and organizing this club for green thumbs in our building. They grow produce, learn about hydro- and aqua-ponics, and build a community through teamwork.”
From the judges
Each finalist for Teacher of the Year had interviews with two judges: Lori DeAnda, retired Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Grandview C-4 School District; and Eric Punswick, Chief Human Resources Officer, Blue Valley (Kan.) School District.
The judges were impressed with all of the finalists and noted their passion for teaching and for the students. They said the all of the finalists are great representatives of the District.
In selecting Clark as Teacher of the Year, the judges commented on her love of teaching and her commitment to always improving. They were impressed with her efforts to differentiate instruction, her emphasis on sharing and collaboration, and her knowledge of educational issues. One judge summed it up, saying "She's a gem."
Ed Hruska is Support Staff Employee of the Year
Ed Hruska is the crossing guard at Eagle Glen Elementary School. He has worked for the district for 20 years, all in this position. He came to work at Ray-Pec after retiring from a 30-plus-year career working for the Social Security Administration. He is a retired U.S. Army Reservist who served 1969 to 1971 active duty and 1976 to 2002 in the reserves.
Hruska was also a finalist for this award in 2014.
Hruska has a son, Chris, and daughter, Saram, who are both Ray-Pec graduates. He also has two grandchildren. He likes to garden and is involved in small groups at church. He is a Chiefs and Royals fan.
Nomination
Hruska was nominated by Dr. Lisa Hatfield, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources.
She wrote: “Rain or shine, he greets students with a warm smile and kind word, making the daily journey to and from school a positive and safe experience. Ed’s impact extends far beyond the crosswalk. He serves as a role model for our students, demonstrating the values of kindness, respect, and, dependability.”
How he makes a difference:
“My goal every day is to see the children arrive safely at school in the morning and return safely to their homes in the afternoon. Sounds simple, but I guess that is kind of it in a nutshell. I hope I’m making a difference in this way.”
From Eagle Glen Principal Rebecca Kolkmeier
Rebecca Kolkmeier said his dedication, reliability, and positive presence make him an invaluable member of the school community.
She said that his impact goes beyond just safety - “he embodies the spirit of Eagle Glen elementary. His work may take place outside the classroom, but the lessons he teaches through his kindness, dependability, and service leave a lasting impression on everyone he meets.”
From the judges
Each finalist for the Support Staff Employee of the Year award had an interview with two judges: Sheba Clarke, Public Relations Coordinator, Grandview C-4 School District, and Lisa Cummings, Human Resources Consultant and former Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Belton School District.
The judges were impressed with all of the finalists. They said they all have a heart for students and love their jobs and the direction in which the District is headed. The judges noted their professionalism and enthusiasm.
In selecting Hruska, they said they loved how committed he is to providing the first safe face that students see in the morning on the way to school. They noted that he is very humble - he told them, “The people in the building do the real job.” They were impressed with his kindness and dedication.
Read a program featuring all finalists